Washington, DC, Nov. 18, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) raised over $3.8 million during its recent annual Leadership Institute and Gala, which was held in Washington, DC for the first-time ever, announced TMCF President and CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr .
The Gala, themed ' Developing Minds … Delivering Dreams', is TMCF's signature fundraising event and has been at the core of the organization's mission of helping nearly 300,000 students reach beyond their dreams to obtain a higher education at one of the country's 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
In a recent live interview with FoxNews with Kelly Wright , three HBCU students share the impact TMCF has made on their lives beyond their dreams and the obligation they have to 'pay it forward.' In this same interview, TMCF's Gala Host, Dr. Bill Cosby, talked about the facts of college affordability and the fact that so many children cannot afford the $20,000+ tuition they will need to complete an undergraduate education. Taylor echoed Cosby stating, "HBCUs must flourish and continue making great investments in these students and towards America's future."
"I am just elated thanks to generous contributions from donors like GALLUP CEO Jim Clifton and his wife Susan, who made a surprise donation of $1 million at the Gala. Because of this donation TMCF will create a special scholars program that will develop more minds and deliver more dreams," Taylor said to Gala attendees.
It costs an average of $6,300 per year for an in-state student to attend a public HBCU, far lower than college tuition costs nationwide. In the wake of a recession and with an economy that is still limping along, many high school students cannot fathom how they will be able to afford a higher education without the assistance of organizations like TMCF.
Through its fundraising efforts like the Gala, the TMCF helps students who want to further their education at a public HBCU through its scholarship and programs as well as offers them leadership development programs like its award-winning Leadership Institute. In addition, TMCF's Payne Global Initiatives (PGI) extends its outreach to colleges beyond the U.S. into countries like Brazil, South Africa, China, and Jerusalem.
"We are preparing some of the brightest students in programs like STEM, business, and international studies," said TMCF Founder Joyce Payne, PhD. "It is TMCF's ultimate goal to reach as many minority students as we can both in the U.S. and into other countries."
To donate to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund or learn more about its programs, visit www.thurgoodmarshallcollegefund.org .
Media Contact: Tangie Newborn, tangie@immensesolutions.com , 301-526-9017
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ABOUT THE THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND (TMCF)
TMCF is named for the U.S. Supreme Court's first African-American Justice. Established in 1987, TMCF supports and represents nearly 300,000 students attending its 47 member-schools that include public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), medical schools and law schools. Through its scholarships and programs, TMCF plays a key role in preparing the leaders of tomorrow.
Tangie Newborn, 301-526-9017
